Alton Fitzgerald White

Alton Whites journey from his boyhood home in a Cincinnati housing project to the grandeur of Broadways Minskoff Theatre is remarkable but one that many will find touchingly recognizable and relatable Struggling with feelings of inferiority he doggedly tried out for role after role and happily accepted whatever was offered to him however modest approaching each with passion and dedication His gifts were ultimately recognized and rewarded with major roles White is the only black actor who has played in a lead role in five hit shows on Broadway John in Miss Saigon Ken in Smokey Joes Cafe he originated the role in Londons West End Coalhouse Walker Jr in Ragtime The Musical Mister in The Color Purple and King Mufasa in The Lion King